The young construction worker
asked the older construction worker,
“¿Al lado?”
Ah, I was jealous.
The young man,
just becoming a man,
young.
His honorable work.
He and the older man had a familiarity with each other.
There was a hierarchy
but the hierarchy itself
hinted at a deep and loving bond
larger than two men.
The young man was deferential and humble to the elder,
which did not indicate weakness
but rather made the youth more venerable and dignified.
It indicated his path,
rites along a definite road to maturity,
learning how to be part of something bigger than himself,
something alive but older than any living individual,
something that he is gradually taking responsibility for,
ensuring its patterns
of love and survival
will continue to be woven,
long after his body has dissolved.
The young man
looked so bright and hopeful,
earning a living,
maybe in love,
maybe excited to start a family,
a most precious piece contributed
from each of two ancient families,
who are now moving together,
gathering around as a new living shape is born
into the great mosaic,
lawfully shifting the sacred geometry
of family and eternity.
I was so happy for him but,
ah, I was so painfully jealous
as I walked past them
on my way home
alone.